Preliminary study of Dent's monkey (Cercopithecus denti) living in a forest fragment in Rwanda, highlighting dietary flexibility in guenons

Dent's monkey (Cercopithecus denti) demonstrates remarkable dietary flexibility, with its diet comprising 58% leaves and 18% fruits, challenging the conventional view of guenons as primarily frugivorous. This preliminary study, conducted over three months in a small forest fragment within Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, reveals that C. denti's folivorous tendencies may enable its persistence in fragmented habitats. The research highlights the species' adaptability, spending most of its time 10–20 meters above ground in secondary forests and open areas. This first systematic study of C. denti provides critical insights into the dietary strategies of guenons, which could inform conservation efforts for this threatened species.

Clark, A., & Kaplin, B. A. (2023). Preliminary study of Dent’s monkey (Cercopithecus denti) living in a forest fragment in Rwanda, highlighting dietary flexibility in guenons. African Journal of Ecology, 62(1). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.13228